Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders最新文献

According to the principle of neuroplasticity, early repeated and intense exposure to stimuli can lead to changes in brain structure. In line with this view, it has been argued that early interventions for autistic children could have an impact on their neural development. In the present systematic review, we synthesised the available evidence on neural outcomes after early behavioural, developmental and naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions in young autistic children or children at elevated likelihood of autism. Six out of seven selected studies observed post-intervention differences in neural activity and connectivity. However, we observed significant methodological variation and limitations across studies (e.g. small sample sizes). Here, we discuss the field-wide need to address these issues.

Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically performed using traditional tools based on behavioral observations. However, these diagnosis methods are time-consuming and can be misleading. Integrating machine learning algorithms with technological screening tools within the typical behavioral observations can possibly enhance the traditional assessment and diagnostic process. In the last two decades, to improve the accuracy and reliability of autism detection, many clinicians and researchers began to develop new screening methods by means of advanced technology like machine learning (ML). These methods include artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), a priori algorithms, and decision trees (DT). Mostly, these methods have been applied to pre-existing datasets, derived from the standard diagnostic and assessment tools, to implement and test predictive models. On the other hand, the detection of new objective behavioral measures such as biomarkers could lead to a significant strengthening of existing screening tools. In the present study, we carried out a critical review of the literature about the latest findings in this field. The aim was to shed light about the effectiveness of using ML systems for motion analysis to enhance both clinical assessment and diagnostic processes. Specifically, we discussed the contribution of ML systems in promoting early diagnosis of ASD. The literature review showed that motion patterns ML analysis predicts ASD classification as accurately as that of classical gold standard tools. However, the application of these methods is still challenging, as discussed in this review.

Globally, there is an increasing focus on interventions that are culturally relevant for children and families from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate what populations have been included in the caregiver research related to established naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also evaluated the extent to which these interventions have developed or adapted to be culturally relevant for use with caregivers of children with ASD using the Cultural Adaptation Checklist. Seventy studies met the inclusion criteria. Our review noted a paucity of research with diverse populations, and lack of description related to cultural adaptations of these interventions. Descriptions related to cultural adaptations tended to focus the least on persons, goals, and methods. Clinicians and researchers are encouraged to engage in cultural adaptations of interventions in consultations with communities in order to enhance interventions for culturally diverse groups.

Abstract

In the past decade, interdisciplinary research has revealed the potential benefits of using social robots in the care of individuals with autism. There is a growing interest in integrating social robots into clinical practice. However, while significant efforts have been made to develop and test the technical aspects, clinical validation and implementation lag behind. This article presents a systematic literature review from a clinical perspective, focusing on articles that demonstrate clinical relevance through experimental studies. These studies are analysed and critically discussed in terms of their integration into healthcare and care practices. The goal is to assist healthcare professionals in identifying opportunities and limitations in their practice and to promote further interdisciplinary cooperation.

Adverse life events and mental health conditions are unfortunately common amongst autistic adults and children; this may present a vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review provides an update of Rumball’s (Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6, 294–324, 2019) systematic review of PTSD in autistic individuals and identifies 18 new studies published from 2017 to 2022, reflecting increased research interest in PTSD in autistic populations. Included literature suggests that autistic adults and children experience more severe PTSD symptoms compared to their non-autistic peers, with at least comparable rates of occurrence. We provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging field and identify the need for future research to validate PTSD symptom assessment tools and treatment strategies and investigate unique manifestations of trauma-related symptoms in autistic individuals.

Abstract

A growing body of evidence has accumulated in support of caregiver-mediated interventions in the service of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. However, few reviews of the literature have been conducted to examine the efficacy of caregiver-mediated behavioral interventions with adolescents (ages 10–18) with ASD and no known reviews of the literature have been conducted to assess the presence and quality of social validity measures in this area of research. The present study sought to review the current existing literature to evaluate the common treatment components, social validity, and overall quality of caregiver-mediated behavioral interventions with adolescents with ASD. Findings indicate a need for evaluation of reliable and valid measures of social validity as well as expanding the use of these measures to include feedback from adolescent clients.

Abstract

School-based interventions for socially including autistic pupils in mainstream schools were systematically reviewed. Included interventions targeted at least one level of the school environment: the autistic children, the peers, the staff, and/or the physical environment, and assessed autistic pupils’ quantity and/or quality of social participation as outcome measures. Findings from 56 studies showed increased accessibility of school activities to autistic pupils, but the reciprocity and friendship between the autistic pupils and the peers were not necessarily improved. Moreover, limited interventions were available for modifying the physical environment. A more holistic strategy that moves the focus from individual children’s social skills to the larger context surrounding children, should be considered for a better inclusion of autistic children in school routine.

Abstract

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been identified as a potential therapeutic intervention for ASD due to its involvement in social bonding and affiliative behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intranasal administration of OXT in preclinical and clinical investigations related to ASD. The random-effects meta-analysis method evaluated the combined effect sizes, heterogeneity, and publication bias. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential moderators. We confirmed 54 preclinical, animal model, and clinical trials on 2593 cases with ASD through systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases from 1980 to 2023. The least-squares mean change of ABC-mSW was significantly lower in the OXT group than in Placebo (SMD, −1.45; 95% CI, −2.24, −0.66; P = 0.0003; I2 = 93%). The analysis showed significantly low OXT plasma concentration after intranasal OXT compared with placebo (SMD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.48, 1.40; P < 0.0001; I2 = 82%). Our analysis showed only CGI improvement was significantly seen in patients with ASD receiving intranasal OXT compared with placebo (SMD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.00, 0.14; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%). The meta-analysis suggests that the administration of intranasal OXT may have a positive impact on the behavior of individuals with ASD, particularly in terms of enhancing social and communicative abilities. Nevertheless, turning preclinical research discoveries into clinical applications poses a significant hurdle. Additional research is necessary to ascertain the most effective dose, delivery techniques, and long-term consequences to optimize the treatment efficacy and safety for individuals with ASD. Future research endeavors should aim to investigate the heterogeneity of ASD and the variability in responsiveness to interventions involving intranasal OXT.

Background

Sleep disturbances are common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have detrimental effects. Sleep disturbances may negatively impact the general well-being and quality of life of children.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions and massage therapy (MT) on sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Methods

We reviewed empirical research focusing on the effect of PA and MT on sleep-related variables published from inception to January 2023. Five electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were included in the search. Outcomes included sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, sleep behavior, and sleep quality. PEDro and McMaster’s scales were used to assess the quality of included studies.

Results

The search yielded a total of 20 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies related to the effects of PA and five studies related to the effects of MT on sleep disorders in children with ASD. The total number of participants was 511.

Conclusion

PA and MT have beneficial effects on sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep quality. In addition, aquatic exercise and swimming were found to be particularly effective in improving sleep in children with ASD.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) play a significant role in determining their children’s service choices. Recent studies have identified both explicit and implicit factors that influence their service decisions. However, in these studies, recruitment efforts did not particularly target culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) minority parents. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review was to assess factors related to service choices among CALD minority parents of children with ASD. Guided by the PRISMA protocol, the present study reviewed 31 studies on factors associated with CALD minority parents’ service selection, and 20 factors were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the service choices and obstacles encountered by CALD minority parents who have children diagnosed with ASD. By comprehending these challenges, future researchers might strive toward mitigating discrepancies in the availability of resources and assistance for children with ASD and their families from various backgrounds.